Your Healthy Lifestyle Coach

Category Archives: Natural substances

In today’s post, we are going to discuss trace minerals; what they are, why we need them and where to get them.

I often talk about vitamins, but your body also requires what we call trace minerals. The reason the word “trace” is used is because you need little to gain huge benefits. I must also mention that there is dangers in having too much of these trace minerals too.

Just consider the fact that our bodies are similar to machinery. That machinery requires certain fluids such as oil, hydraulic fluid, etc… to maintain it in perfect working condition.

I equate trace minerals to the fluids in machinery. Too little and the machine is in danger of overheating; too much and the machine may “blow” seals causing a leak or rupture.

Our bodies need trace minerals much like machinery needs fluids. And while there are some possibilities of “too much,” the majority of humans are running on too few trace minerals. And the primary reason is the growing soils are not as rich in minerals as they once were.

What Are Trace Minerals?

You probably know what most primary minerals are… Minerals that you need more than 100 mg per day:

sodium

calcium

chloride

magnesium

potassium

and phosphorous

Trace minerals are inorganic matter that heat (cooking) cannot damage and we need much smaller amounts; anywhere from 1 to 99 mg per day. But we must have them!

copper

zinc

iron

chromium

selenium

fluoride (this is a trace mineral many people are getting far too much of. It is in water supplies so just say no to it in your toothpaste.)

manganese

iodine

and molybdenum

Why We Need Trace Minerals

Without trying to sound overly scientific, I will just tell you that our bodies are made up of various organic and inorganic matter. We need some of the “metals” to have a proper working system. Let me tell you just a little how each one helps you and where you can get it…

Copper

Copper helps your body make hemoglobin and connective tissues, as well as plays a part in producing energy in your cells.

Studies show that copper deficiencies are low in the United States. You get copper from:

nuts and seeds

seafood

and organ meats

Intake should be from 870 – 900 mcg per day.

Zinc

Zinc deficiency can impair growth in children and birth defects during pregnancy.

Zinc is needed for a healthy immune system; it promotes cell reproduction and tissue growth.

Zinc can be achieved from:

nuts and seeds

meats

peas

and eggs

Intake is 8 – 11 mg per day.

Iron

Our hemoglobin requires iron. It is needed to transport oxygen throughout the body.

A deficiency can lead to anemia, fatigue and infections. Excess amount can cause an enlarged liver, skin coloring, diabetes and internal damage.

In today’s post, I am going to delve into an area that many people are apathetic about. It is a serious situation and due to the fact that I have loved ones and friends who are elderly and rely on the medications that doctors prescribe, I am writing this. These same medical professionals surely know that some of those medications have hidden dangers but the pharmaceutical industry has so much power that few will stand against them and the deadly poisons they are legally giving to the human population.

This Is A Serious Issue That Must Be Confronted

Every day, some senior citizens are dying not from the health issues they were dealing with; they are dying from the items in their medicine cabinet. But the death is overlooked with the statement “We tried to make their life better until they passed.”

That statement doesn’t make sense.

It is an oxymoron, because the pharmaceutical companies are legally giving out substances that are the killers. The disease or medical issue did not kill the person, the drug did. And the government keeps allowing it.

Okay, now that I have gotten worked up, I will share several known drugs legally given to people that are extremely dangerous. I will also share some alternatives.

If people begin to say no to the prescribed killer drugs, maybe doctors, big pharma and the United States government will take notice.

Diabetes Drugs

There are various diabetes drugs that are being pushed:

Actos

Avandia

Metformin

Etc…

Some of these drugs have been linked with heart failure and various internal cancers. Diabetes is the process where your body is not manufacturing insulin properly.

There are many natural substances that can help you get blood sugar levels back to normal. But most importantly, your diet needs to be maintained in a healthy pattern and you need exercise.

There are various herbs and natural substances that have shown great impacts on diabetes.

Polyphenols – These antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables have been found to help diabetes patients gain control of blood sugar levels.

Magnesium – Studies have discovered that people with low magnesium levels are more likely to develop diabetes. Nuts and green, leafy vegetables are high in magnesium.

Cinnamon – Studies at the Mayo Clinic have found cinnamon increases insulin sensitivity.

Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Known as NSAIDs, I am speaking of Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory drugs. These include:

Motrin

Naproxen

Celebrex

and many others

These drugs have had FDA public warnings of heart hazards. Even warning labels read: “NSAIDs may cause ulcers, bleeding, or holes in the stomach or intestine. These problems may develop at any time during treatment, may happen without warning symptoms, and may cause death.”

As I sip on a cup of hot cocoa, I am just reflecting on how this is sooo beneficial to my health.

So many people look at chocolate and immediately feel a strong sense of guilt. But it should not be the chocolate that is put to blame. The chocolate is actually a wonderful substance of Mother Nature that provides a wide range of health benefits.

No, the problem comes when all that processed sugar is added to that cacao to develop sweets that can add pounds to our figure just by looking at them. Don’t fault the chocolate; put the blame where it goes… Sugar!

I am going to explain in today’s post the rich health benefits in cacao. And, I will tell you where you can get cacao that will provide these benefits without the guilt.

Here are the many benefits of cacao… Amazing Cacao: The Food Of Life.

“Let food be thy medicine.” Hippocrates

Cacao balances your blood pressure

If you were to interview any family physicians, I would wager they will tell you that overall, the patients they treat run higher blood pressure levels than did people 20, 30 or 40 years ago. There are various reasons for this.

More stress

The foods we ingest

Pollution

Etc…

Cacao is full of flavonoids which help to lower blood pressure. The antioxidants in cacao support the production of nitric oxide which relaxes our blood vessels.

Cacao fights the bad and supports the good cholesterol

Studies have shown that having cacao in your diet will lower the bad cholesterol and increase the good cholesterol.

Cacao makes us happy

I believe a dose of cacao is much better that any man-made “mood drug.”

Cacao and your memory

Various studies being performed are linking improved memory and a better learning capacity to the ingestion of cacao. It is believed that cacao supports better blood flow to the brain which in turn, improves our memory and the ability to learn.

Cacao improves your love life

Why is it chocolates are the primary gift on Valentine’s day? Could it be because of the fact that phenethylamine is in cacao? Phenethylamine which is shortened to PEA, is a compound that triggers the release of endorphins that are directly related to romance and sexual activity.

Cacao helps to regulate blood sugar levels

Here is another area that people are confused with. They assume that consuming chocolate is a cause in their diabetes. Again, it isn’t the chocolate that is damaging, it is the sugar infused into that chocolate.

Cacao itself improves insulin resistance and the metabolism of glucose.

Cacao can prevent premature aging

The antioxidants in cacao are in the same class of antioxidants in green tea and red wine. These antioxidants protect our cells from premature oxidation which keeps us looking and feeling younger.

Cacao helps your breathing

Cacao contains 2 substances, xanthine and theophylline which open bronchial passages. This helps to defeat asthma and other allergies.

Cacao supports weight loss

Just like this cup of hot cacao, if you are looking for a simple weight loss trick, try making hot cacao like I am drinking. Use coconut or rice milk. Cacao contains MAO inhibitors which shrink our appetites.

Cacao may be beneficial in stopping cancer cells

Studies have shown that cacao may be a great means of stopping the growth of cancer cells while allowing normal cells to grow strong.

Cacao provides energy

The magnesium content in cacao is extremely high in comparison to all other natural food sources. That magnesium provides energy and battles fatigue.

Cacao is good for your skin

Again, it all veers back to blood flow, and cacao creates better flow and helps to provide your skin with hydration and better elasticity. It has also show protective abilities from the sun’s rays. Manufacturers have been using raw cacao in the production of skin care products.

Cacao fights cavities

Studies performed at Tulane University showed that an extract from cacao was more powerful than fluoride in fighting tooth decay. The extract hardens tooth enamel.

Cacao has all those benefits and many more

Personally, I believe every man, woman and child should be ingesting some cacao daily. I am not talking about one of those chocolate bars found meeting your eyes in the checkout line of the grocery store.

As a matter of fact, getting the cacao I speak of may not be found in a grocery store. But I can tell you where to get wholly organic cacao… Living Raw Chocolate.

The link I am about to provide you will lead you to 70% Raw Ecuadorian Cacao. The other 30% consists of:

Nearly every healthy food item has some antioxidants in them. But through processing, cooking and other things done with these foods, many of the antioxidants are depleted.

Scientists have discovered that there is one antioxidant that is more powerful than all other antioxidants put together.

The beautiful colors

The antioxidants that I speak of is what gives many of our wonderful foods their beautiful colors.

Those amazing red beets

The colorful orange carrots

The green in sea grasses

These all come from Carotenoids compounds in foods. There are many types of Carotenoids and one of the most well known is Beta Carotene.

Carotenoids are actually the antioxidants that turn Flamingos pink. They are born white but they eat many Carotenoids that turn their complexion pink and also give them energy, stamina and overall, good health.

The most powerful Carotenoid

As I stated, scientists have found what is the most powerful Carotenoid known to humans. It is called astaxanthin.

They have discovered that astaxanthin is 54 times stronger than beta carotene and 65 times stronger than Vitamin C.

One of the primary sources of astaxanthin is in salmon. That is what turns this fish the pink color (and I don’t believe you want to eat a pink flamingo). But not everyone is a fish lover and they still need this highly powerful antioxidant, so I will share at the end of this post where you can get this powerful antioxidant.

But first, let’s look at the many benefits.

Benefits of astaxanthin

There are so many benefits of this wonderful antioxidant… Let me just list a few:

Unlike beta carotene, astaxanthin is able to cross the blood-brain barrier

It protects your brain and nervous system from oxidative stress

Also, it helps to increase strength and improve your overall stamina and endurance

And enables quicker recovery after your workouts

It reduces your joint and muscle soreness caused by vigorous exercise

Astaxanthin has been shown to effectively scavenge free radicals from muscle tissue and help reduce singlet oxygen

It protects your eyes from cataracts, macular degeneration and blindness

And protects your brain from dementia and Alzheimer’s

And just like it protects the plants and animals from the damaging sun rays, it will also protect our skin.

Why the astaxanthin supplement I am recommending is your best choice

While you may think that you can get your astaxanthin from salmon, I want to point out some facts.

Wild Pacific Salmon is expensive

You will need to eat 3 to 4 ounces of that Salmon to get the same benefits as this supplement

There has been a high risk of mercury and other heavy metals from Ocean fish.

Astaxanthin is a Carotenoid produced by the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis.

The supplement I am sharing is organically produced and extracted using safe processes. You will not have to worry about heavy metals because it is independently tested for safety.

And, this product is made in the United States.

RegenaLife Astaxanthin

The RegenaLife astaxanthin comes in softgel form. You receive 30 softgels and you take 1 per day. As such, you are getting 13 milligrams of this powerful antioxidant each dose.

I know you will see great results in your well being. I take it regularly as does many people I know and everyone has only great things to say about how this amazing supplement has given their life a new feel. More energy and a lot more.

I have found that curcumin is a miracle of Mother Nature. It is a chemical that is produced by several species

The best curcumin sold

of plants with the primary plant being turmeric. It is a member of the ginger family. And while no actual guaranteed results have been shown, many cancer patients have shown great results when taking curcumin supplements.

I want to take you through a list of the many other benefits of this plant based chemical:

People in India have realized the benefits for many years

As I stated earlier, turmeric is the main holder of curcumin, and people of India would regularly ingest turmeric for relief of inflammation. It shows a huge antioxidant effect. But turmeric itself does not have high amounts of curcumin in it, so they would have to ingest large quantities. Now that technology has provided a way to separate the curcumin from the plant, people can get the benefits without having to ingest as much.

Curcumin has shown to be a benefit to our brains

It is a natural anti-depressant

It protects the brain from aging processes and slows the onset of Alzheimers

Studies have shown that curcumin has great possibilities of treating neurological issues

Relieves stress and anxiety

and so much more.

A list of other possible curcumin benefits

The possible benefits seem to be endless as scientists look closer at this miracle plant based chemical. Let me just start listing all that is being researched or has been found as benefits:

Curcumin is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. So it is a great defense against HIV, Hepatitis and other blood born diseases.

Curcumin defeats toxins and destroys the bad effects of fluoride.

Curcumin has shown a great support in women’s health.

Curcumin protects kidneys.

Overall, it seems that curcumin is the supplement the human race needs consistently.

But like any good thing, taking curcumin in too high of doses can be bad for you. So you need to follow the directions and take it properly. It has been found that it is good to consume it with some coconut milk as the coconut milk helps the curcumin react quickly and the body accepts it evenly.

Where to get Curcumin

Not all curcumin supplements are created equal. You want to know there are no GMOs, MSGs, sugars, oils, caffeine or other ingredients that could be harmful.

I have found the very best curcumin supplement on the market. I highly recommend that you give it a try. Just simply sign up as a customer and purchase your first curcumin supplement order. I know that you will want to start using it on a regular basis.

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Disclaimer

I am NOT a doctor. This site is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your doctor before starting any new diet or exercise program. Individual results will vary. I do make money from the products and services I recommend on this site.